Vapormat Tiger combines and automates cutting tool coating preparation processes

Vapormatt Tiger combines all necessary process steps post sintering/grinding in preparation for final PVD/CVD coating. Processes include macro wet blasting for controlled creation of edge radii and honing effects, micro blasting for surface activation prior to coating and a range of DI spray and ultrasonic rinsing steps. The washing stages are immediately followed by a patented super-fast drying stage to remove moisture from critical surfaces without promoting unnecessary re-oxidation of the nascent bond areas. In response to customer demand, a conveyor-based transport system has been developed that can utilise standard industry pattern pallet systems. This eliminates the need for the individual loading and unloading of cutting tool inserts, steps that add cost and increase the potential for recontamination of the surgically clean surfaces produced in the system. Onload and offload elements enable components to be located in multiple magazines allowing unattended operation. A number of stored programmes or 'recipes', enable predetermined process combinations to be selected to suit individual component requirements. Recipes can be selected either manually, from bar code readers or from an MES system. Recipes can be written to produce a range of edge radii from 10 to 80 micron with controlled K factors and with surface finishes usually only available by multi-stage processing in a variety of different finishing equipment. A significant feature of Vapormatt technology is the ability to accurately control and record a range of key parameters for each of the individual process stages to ensure long-term process quality and consistency. The Vapormatt Tiger is fully self-contained and ventilated and can be specified to noise levels down to 75 dBA. All service and support systems are enclosed within the main stainless steel structure so that the equipment can be operated within the normal factory environment rather than in a separate area as is usually the case for traditional open wet blast machine designs.